The governments of Canada and The Bahamas have announced temporary travel restrictions affecting residents from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, following growing concern over an ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa. Canada confirmed the measures take effect from Wednesday and will remain in place for 90 days. The Bahamas announced similar restrictions that took immediate effect, subject to review after 30 days.

Canada's Quarantine Requirements

Canadian authorities stated that citizens, permanent residents, and eligible foreign nationals who recently travelled through the affected regions but show no symptoms will still be required to undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine beginning May 30. The government described the measures as precautionary, aimed at preventing possible importation of the virus while surveillance and screening continue at points of entry.

WHO Raises Risk to "Very High"

The travel restrictions follow a significant escalation in the World Health Organisation's assessment of the outbreak. WHO upgraded its risk classification for the Ebola situation in the DRC to "very high" earlier this month and declared the outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. The agency has not classified the situation as a pandemic, but flagged several indicators suggesting the outbreak may be larger than officially reported, including high positivity rates among tested samples, increasing unexplained deaths, and confirmed infections in urban centres.

WHO has also confirmed that there is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola currently spreading across parts of Central Africa, making containment through surveillance and travel measures the primary tool available to governments.



Nigeria's Current Status

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that no Ebola case has been recorded in the country. The agency stated that surveillance systems across airports, land borders, and healthcare facilities remain active, with preventive monitoring and preparedness efforts continuing as authorities track developments in the region. Nigeria's proximity to affected countries and its status as a major travel and commercial hub means continued vigilance from health authorities is appropriate.

What to Watch

The Bahamas has indicated its restrictions will be reviewed based on the evolving public health situation. Canada's 90-day window gives both governments time to assess whether containment efforts in the DRC and Uganda are working. For Nigerian travellers planning to move through Canada or the Caribbean, confirming current entry requirements with relevant embassies before departure is advisable until the restrictions are reviewed.